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The Carson Wentz trade finally happened. With the dust settled and the Eagles picking up the Colts’ third-round pick (plus a conditional 2022 second-round selection), all attention goes towards the 2021 NFL Draft. With quarterback being a big question mark for the Eagles, here is one draft scenario that could play out. (I am using the incredible draft simulator from our friends over at The Draft Network.)
Pick 6: Justin Fields, Quarterback, Ohio State
There is no doubt who the best quarterback in this class is and no doubt where Trevor Lawrence will be drafted. The question, then, becomes where the quarterbacks fall after him. Justin Fields’ blend of accuracy, football IQ, and athleticism would make him an intriguing option for the Eagles’ first pick. Fields has all the makings of a franchise quarterback and could start immediately.
Pick 38: Rondale Moore, Wide Receiver, Purdue
There is no doubt that the Eagles still need wide receiver help, regardless of who is playing quarterback. Rondale Moore has as high of an upside as any other pass catcher in this class. The Eagles could win big by betting on him in the second round.
Pick 70: Ifeatu Melifonwu, Cornerback, Syracuse
Trends would indicate that Jonathan Gannon loves big cornerbacks to play on the outside of his defense. Well, Ifeatu Melifonwu should have the Eagles eyes with his 6’3”, 215-pound frame. The athletic, long cornerback would be a welcome addition for a cornerback group desperate for size and a legit option opposite Darius Slay.
Pick 84: Jabril Cox, Linebacker, LSU
Adding speed to the linebacker group should be a priority this offseason. Jabril Cox is a legit coverage linebacker with the instincts to play every down. This would be a steal with the pick the Eagles got in the Wentz trade.
Pick 151: James Wiggins, Safety, Cincinnati
The Eagles will be rebuilding a lot of their defense this offseason, especially the back half of the unit. James Wiggins makes sense as a mid-round addition to the secondary. The six-foot, 200 pounder has great instincts in coverage and had a knack for the ball in college. Injuries and tackling inconsistency drops him in the draft, but his coverage skills more than warrant giving him a chance in the Eagles' young secondary.
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Pick 155: Cade Johnson, Wide Receiver, South Dakota State
Here we go again! I am going to will Cade Johnson to Philadelphia by way of this article series. Johnson is a real deep threat and dominated the Senior Bowl after a strong college career. He would immediately push the depth chart with his talent.
Pick 192: Adrian Ealy, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
At 6’6” and 320 pounds, it is easy to be impressed by Adrian Ealy from a physical perspective. The Eagles have a phenomenal offensive staff to develop young lineman and Ealy makes a lot of sense as a guy who can get groomed into a starter two years down the line.
Pick 220: Jaelon Darden, Wide Receiver, North Texas
There are not too many chances the Eagles could take with receivers this year. Even after a year in which they drafted three receivers, they should consider taking three more. The unit is young and very few players have proven themselves. Adding more athleticism and competition certainly can’t hurt.
It took nine games for Jaelon Darden to score 19 touchdowns in 2020. Darden is a legit playmaker and despite his advanced age, should garner some attention as a contributor in the NFL. Darden makes a ton of sense late in the draft for Philadelphia here.
Pick 228: Robert Rochell, Cornerback, Central Arkansas
Robert Rochell is one of the more interesting prospects in this class. A former wide receiver, Rochell ended up at UCA after injuring his knee as a high school senior. Rochell thrived at UCA as a physical ball hawk. His blend of size, athleticism and playmaking ability is hard to ignore and Rochell could intrigue teams as a high upside defender. For the Eagles, they get another big cornerback to compete for time in their young secondary.